Screen‐printed sensors with graphite electrodes – comparison of properties and physical method of sensitivity enhancement

Abstract

Screen‐printed electrodes are widely used in the construction of sensors. The use of graphite material is preferred due to its simple technological processing and low cost. Different graphite pastes are compared for hydrogen peroxide detection. The slope of the calibration curve, linearity and limit of detection have been compared for different pastes and technologies of graphite electrode preparation. The influence of the structure of the paste on response is discussed. Physical methods of sensitivity enhancement are proposed. All results are compared with platinum electrode as technological reference.

Perspective—Thick Film Technology

“…The surface structure plays a significant role in the electrochemical sensor function. 24 The difference between sensors response can be up to 4 orders of signal magnitude. 24 Many electrochemical methods with different surface structures were tested.…”

“…24 The difference between sensors response can be up to 4 orders of signal magnitude. 24 Many electrochemical methods with different surface structures were tested. [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] It is also important in the development of sensors which combine electrochemistry with next analytical procedures.…”

“…Meaning if only diffusion mass transport to the active surface is used then the complicated structures do not play an important role. 24,52 The whole electrochemical reaction runs on the upper layer of the structure and sometimes only on the edges which are highest on the active surface. However TFT enables us to create complex sensor systems which can improve the mass transport.…”

Comparison of different modifications of screen-printed working electrodes of electrochemical sensors using carbon nanotubes and plasma treatment

“…Moreover, materials for screen‐printed electrodes are not limited to commercially available thick‐film pastes/inks. A variety of pastes can be prepared by mixing a functional conducting powder with a suitable binder .…”

“…Carbon electrodes based on a paste have a composite character which results in slow rates of heterogeneous electron transfer . Electrochemical properties of carbon paste electrodes can be improved using chemical and electrochemical oxidative pretreatments that increase electron‐transfer rates or by mechanical treatment .…”